Bay Area's New WNBA Team Just Drafted a Mystery Teen Who Could Be Their Secret Weapon

Move over, basketball scouts – the Golden State Valkyries just dropped the most unexpected plot twist in WNBA draft history. In a move that left analysts scratching their heads, the Bay Area’s newest pro women’s basketball team selected 19-year-old Lithuanian sensation Justė Jocytė with their first-ever draft pick.
A Risky Bet on International Talent
While most expected the Valkyries to play it safe with a proven NCAA star like Aneesah Morrow, they zigged where everyone thought they’d zag. Jocytė, who’s been playing professional basketball since she was 14, represents a bold gamble that could either be brilliantly visionary or spectacularly disastrous.
Beyond the Usual Playbook
This isn’t just about picking an unknown player – it’s a statement. The Valkyries are signaling they’re not interested in following the traditional WNBA draft script. By choosing an international prospect who’s been competing against professional players for years, they’re challenging the standard narrative of player development.
The Long Game
Smart money says the Valkyries are playing chess, not checkers. With 21 of the current WNBA All-Stars set to become free agents next season, this draft pick looks less like a Hail Mary and more like a calculated strategic move. They might be terrible this season, but they’re positioning themselves for a potential future breakthrough.
Bottom line: The Bay Area just got a whole lot more interesting in women’s professional basketball. Buckle up, sports fans – this could get wild.
AUTHOR: cgp
SOURCE: SFist